When ye go away
Waterboys · Fisherman's Blues [1988]
Now he's brought down the rain
and the indian summer is through
In the morning you'll be following your trail again
Fair play to you
You ain't calling me to join you
and I'm spoken for anyway
But I will cry when ye go away
I will cry when ye go away
Your beauty is familiar
and your voice is like a key
That opens up my soul
And torches up a fire inside of me
Your coat is made of magic
and around your table angels play
And I will cry when ye go away
I will cry when ye go away
Somebody left his whisky
and the night is very young
I've got some to say and more to tell
and the words will soon be spilling from my tongue
I will rave and I will ramble
I'll do everything but make you stay
Then I will cry when ye go away
I will cry when ye go away
When ye go away...
When ye go away...
When ye go away
When ye go away stands as a poignant song in The Waterboys' celebrated 1988 album, Fisherman's Blues. During this era, the band fully embraced a roots-rock aesthetic, blending rock instrumentation with traditional Irish folk influences to create a sound that felt both expansive and intimate. The track reflects the group's signature ability to weave narrative storytelling with driving rhythms, capturing the emotional weight of departure and longing. As part of a record that marked a significant shift toward a more organic, Celtic-infused style, the song contributes to an album widely regarded as a cornerstone of their discography. It showcases the band's mastery of atmospheric textures and melodic depth, solidifying their reputation for crafting music that resonates with enduring emotional power and cultural richness.